AUGUSTA, Maine — The commission that will approve charter schools in Maine is accepting applications.

The Maine Charter School Commission issued a request for proposals on Tuesday.

Potential operators must submit letters of intent to apply by May 16, and the full application is due by June 29. The commission must approve or deny applications within 90 days of receiving them, and a charter contract must be negotiated and settled at least 60 days before the school opens.

Applicants must outline their vision, demonstrate that they understand the population they intend to serve and explain how their program will benefit students and the community.

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Commission Chairman James Banks Sr. tells the Kennebec Journal he knows it’s a tight schedule but the board is up to the task.